shotshell reloading

[NcongruNt]

Well, I am slowly but surely working my way around to getting my spare bedroom ready for a workbench build, so reloading is finally becoming visible on the horizon for me. Due to my recent affinity for shotgunning and the apparent low cost of shotshell reloading equipment (currently eying the Lee Load All), I thought it might be a good foray into the reloading world for me.

It looks to be somewhat simple, and there's no bullet seating, sizing, or crimping to deal with, so I'm somewhat enthused about getting a setup for shotshells. I do have a couple of questions, and haven't really seen as much on the internet regarding shotshell reloading. Are there any good resources anyone can point me to?

Also, I'm somewhat fond of shooting slugs. Looking at a slug round, it's apparent that the procedure is a bit different. The plastic seems to be rolled at the front and keeps the slug in place. Is it possible to reload for slugs? Do slugs use cups or any kind of wadding?

Also, any tips for shotshell reloading and equipment would be helpful.

Thanks in advance!

[tomneal]

Most of the Shotgunners at PSC use MEC reloaders.

I have given up on reloading 12 gauge. Instead I wait until August. Most places have dove loads on sale so I buy a years supply at a time.

If your reloading .410, 28 Gauge, or 20 Gauge, you may be able to save money.


Your milage may vary.

[Oldgringo]

You can certainly save money reloading 28 ga. and .410 bore AFTER you acquire your MT's.

Have fun.

[lrb111]

Lee has a lead mold for slugs that are to be used with a plastic cup, same as for shot. That means the shell doesn't need to be special cut and rolled at the end. Interesting because they appear to be sort of hollow based also.
I do not have either of the molds, but very likely will.
It's the last one on this page.
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog ... ml#shotgun" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
for Lee equipment I use http://www.factorysales.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ghostrider]

You can load this kind of slug without a roll crimp:
http://www.ballisticproducts.com/prodin ... er=1244112" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just be sure to mark them clearly as slugs because with a fold crimp, they'll look just like a birdshot shell unless you load them in translucent hulls like these:
http://www.ballisticproducts.com/prodin ... er=0641208" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I had good luck with these in 12ga over Blue Dot powder in Winchester AA hulls and Winchester wads (WAA12R, I think).

I prefer a roll crimp and these slugs:
http://www.ballisticproducts.com/prodin ... er=0721612" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Of course you'll need a roll crimp tool:
http://www.ballisticproducts.com/prodin ... ber=ROLL12" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The Lee LoadAll is adequate, but if I was reloading in any volume I'd get a MEC 600Jr.

This is a good site for info:
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/index.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[NcongruNt]

Most of the Shotgunners at PSC use MEC reloaders.

I have given up on reloading 12 gauge. Instead I wait until August. Most places have dove loads on sale so I buy a years supply at a time.

If your reloading .410, 28 Gauge, or 20 Gauge, you may be able to save money.


Your milage may vary.

Well, I'm going to get a start at reloading on the cheap. The Lee Load All II runs $43 at Cabela's. The MEC 600 Junior runs $145. While I am certain that that MEC is a much higher quality product, I just want to try it out, and the Lee machine makes that much easier on the wallet.

As far as gauge, I will be reloading for 12 and 16. I already have two cases of 12 gauge dove shot sitting in my closet. The problem is, #4 buckshot is all but impossible to find in any quantity (other than by the case on a fortunate occasion at Cabela's) at any shop here. No one keeps it in stock. #4 Buck is what I prefer for range shooting if I'm working with shot. Even 00 buckshot is somewhat limited in availability, and tends to be stocked in expensive special box loads (like Winchester Supreme). I don't want to spend that much for practicing, so loading my own seems to be the way I need to go.

In the 16 gauge, it will be pretty much birdshot loads of one type or another. Selection for 16 gauge in general is abysmal, so making whatever I want when I need it makes a lot more sense then endlessly searching for a specific load in 16 gauge.

[tomneal]

16 gauge is another that would make sense.

12 Gauge is just so popular that it's hard to save any money reloading.

[NcongruNt]

Wowza! I just looked at prices for tungsten hevi-shot for making duck loads. $25/pound! You'd think it would be a little less expensive in bulk, but not so much. I suppose it's a little cheaper to load your own that way, but not as much as I expected.

[ghostrider]

NcongruNt,

did you end up buying a shotshell press?

[CainA]

I'd like to know too, 'cuz I've thought about the same thing(in 20 gauge). I've gotten the skeet bug and would like to roll my own for that.

-Cain

[CainA]

Any updates to this thread????

-Cain